Assessment of electronic sensor data to remotely identify a motor vehicle and monitor driver behavior

ABSTRACT

A computing device is connected to a motor vehicle&#39;s diagnostic port or communication port to acquire vehicle sensor data, for example from various pressure, temperature, oxygen, fuel and other sensors typically installed on a motor vehicle for other reasons. Acquired sensor data is wirelessly transmitted to a remote server where the acquired sensor data can be compared to a database of stored sensor data to identify the motor vehicle. Additional functionality is described that leverages uploaded sensor data. Sensor data may be uploaded to the server in near-real time, and/or buffered locally and uploaded by periodic or episodic, push or pull communication protocols.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/911,454, filed Jun. 6, 2013, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,104,538, which is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/657,192 filed Jun. 8, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

©2012-2013 Airbiquity Inc. A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR §1.71(d).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to powered vehicles, and more specifically to motor vehicles, and concerns communications of data between a vehicle and a centralized server to enable various beneficial applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ubiquitous CAN bus (for controller area network) is a vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other within a vehicle without a host computer. CAN bus is one of five protocols used in the OBD-II vehicle diagnostics standard. The OBD-II standard has been mandatory for all cars and light trucks sold in the United States since 1996, and the EOBD standard has been mandatory for all petrol vehicles sold in the European Union since 2001 and all diesel vehicles since 2004. CAN is a multi-master broadcast serial bus standard for connecting electronic control units (ECUs).

Each node is able to send and receive messages, but not simultaneously. A message consists primarily of an ID (identifier), which represents the priority of the message, and up to eight data bytes. It is transmitted serially onto the bus. This signal pattern is encoded in non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and is sensed by all nodes. The devices that are connected by a CAN network are typically sensors, actuators, and other control devices. In general, these devices are not connected directly to the bus, but through a host processor and a CAN controller. In any event, the CAN networks are confined to the motor vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In general, on-board electronic communications continue to evolve in motor vehicles, but they remain confined in the vehicle. One feature of the present disclosure extends aspects of the on-board networks, sensors and other nodes to a remote server location.

In another aspect of this disclosure, a remote server can acquire data from a motor vehicle, including on-board sensor data.

In still another aspect, sensor data can be used to remotely identify a motor vehicle at a remote server.

In still another aspect, sensor data can be used to remotely identify a current driver of a motor vehicle at a remote server.

Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating selected components of one example of a fleet management monitoring system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a server-based process to collect electronic sensor data from a remote vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A problem arises in that the data communications ports on some vehicles do not provide a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a unique identifier. Without the ability to uniquely identify a vehicle, a fleet management system is severely constrained. For example, it cannot implement an automated provision system to quickly provision the vehicle systems with calibration parameters. In some case, such parameters may be unique to the behavior of a vehicle. Downloaded parameters or other data may be used by on-board software. In some embodiments on-board software or systems may utilize driver behavior algorithms for monitoring driver behavior. Further, an automated system cannot collect data from vehicles without having to manually correlate the data to the fleet vehicles, if possible, by some other means. Various advantageous functions can be implemented from a remote server given a way to uniquely identify each vehicle.

In an embodiment, a computing device may be connected to a motor vehicle's diagnostic port or communication port to acquire vehicle sensor data, for example from various pressure, temperature, oxygen, fuel and other sensors typically installed on a motor vehicle for other reasons. The computing device may be a mobile device such as a smart phone. The device may be connected to a port, for example an OBD port. The device may be connected by cable or short-range wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth® connection) to an on-board network.

Acquired sensor data may be wirelessly transmitted via the smart phone to a remote server where the acquired sensor data can be stored and or compared to a database of stored sensor data to identify the motor vehicle and for other functions. Acquired sensor data may also be transmitted via an on-board or embedded NAD (network access device).

Sensor data may be uploaded to the server in near-real time, and/or buffered locally and uploaded by periodic or episodic, push or pull communication protocols. Acquired sensor data may be stored at a central server. Acquired data may be stored in a database coupled to a central server. It may be used to form stored baseline data. The determined vehicle ID can be used by a backend server system to compare the historical operation of the vehicle to determine if there are any anomalies associated with its behavior. In addition the vehicle ID can be used to determine if any anomalies may be caused by the driver operating the vehicle, as further explained below. Further, the vehicle ID may be used for provisioning data or software from the server to the vehicle, especially to adapt it to current conditions.

In FIG. 1, a simplified block diagram illustrates the main components of one example of a fleet management or driver behavior monitoring system. In this example, a motor vehicle's data communication port 100 or other interface is coupled, via a cable or wireless connection, to a computing and communications device, such as a user's “smart phone” 104. For example, a Bluetooth® connection may be used, or similar short-range wireless connection, between the portable device and the vehicle port/adapter, but this connection can be made via any means available.

In an embodiment, the smart phone 104 communicates via the cellular data communication network 110 (aka “mobile network”), and IP gateway where needed, to a remote server (“back end system”) 120 which receives and stores and maintains data of several types. One type may be historical data 122. Historical data 122 may include, but is not limited to, the following examples: (a) sensor data for vehicle identification; (b) historical driver and vehicle behavior data; (c) calibration parameters and other data for download to the vehicle and (d) geographic location data provided, for example, by an internal or external GPS sensor. In addition to historical data, the server system may include a provisioning manager 130 for provisioning the computing device in the vehicle. The computing device in the vehicle may comprise a portable device, as illustrated, or in another embodiment one or more processors (not shown) that are embedded in the vehicle for various purposes.

In some embodiments, stored baseline sensor data includes sensor data acquired from a corresponding motor vehicle during at least one known steady-state condition. To illustrate, a first steady state condition may be defined within a predetermined time window, for example 5 seconds, after startup of the vehicle engine from a cold start. This may be called a cold condition.

A second steady-state condition may be defined after expiration of at least a predetermined minimum time period of continuous operation of the vehicle engine. For example, this period may be on the order of 5 or 10 minutes. It may be called a “hot” or running condition. In some embodiments, the stored baseline sensor data includes sensor data acquired from a corresponding motor vehicle during the cold condition. In some embodiments, the stored baseline sensor data includes data acquired from a corresponding motor vehicle during the hot or running condition. An ensemble of multiple sensor readings, for example readings from three or four different sensors, may be stored at the server and used to identify a remote vehicle. In some embodiments, the sensor readings may be cold condition, hot condition, or a combination of the two types.

By way of illustration and not limitation, vehicle sensors used to provide data may include the following:

-   -   engine coolant temperature     -   engine air temperature     -   fuel rail pressure     -   engine oil temperature     -   absolute throttle position limit     -   engine RPM at idle     -   Lambda exhaust oxygen sensor voltage

So, for example, engine RPM at idle may be acquired, at cold condition, as well as the same metric at a hot condition. The same data (hot and cold) may be acquired for fuel rail pressure and engine oil temperature, for a total of nine measurements. Data sets of this type may be used to identify the vehicle. An elapsed time period may be used to delineate cold to hot. Or, a rate of change may be used to indicate a running (steady-state) condition. Other sensors may be used in addition, or in lieu of those mentioned. A greater number of sensors generally will better distinguish one vehicle from another. Comparison of acquired data to previously stored baseline data may be accomplished using known database query technologies. Fuzzy matching may be used.

In some implementations, said acquiring sensor data from the remote vehicle includes acquiring sensor data for at least three of the foregoing steady-state sensor output values; and wherein said comparing step includes comparing the at least three steady-state sensor output values to the corresponding stored baseline data.

Thus in one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of identifying a vehicle may comprise a combination of characterizing the sensor data values that are read from the vehicle data communication port at known steady state vehicle conditions, and characterizing certain sensor values as the state of the vehicle is changing in a previously characterized rate and direction of change. The accuracy of the vehicle sensor measurements preferably are on the order of <=+/−1 accuracy.

Other metrics may include dynamic measurement conditions. Examples of dynamic measurements may include, without limitation, the following:

-   -   Engine idle at startup mapped to previously recorded engine cold         start temperatures.     -   Engine idle at specified hot engine temperatures     -   The duration of engine temperature change from cold start to hot         temp relative to a previously recorded average engine load over         the time it takes to change from cold temp to hot temp.     -   GPS location to differentiate between two vehicles with similar         sensor data values.

In an embodiment, we propose to characterize a vehicle based in part on steady state sensor output values. This would involve the measurement of vehicle sensor data provided by the data communication port under steady state vehicle connections such as but not limited to the following:

Engine coolant temperature, typically measured in a range of −40 ° F. to 419° F. (−40° C. to 215° C.). This sensor typically has an accuracy of +/−5% which equates to a result in deviation from one sensor output to another of +22.95° F. (+5° C.) to −22.95° F. (−5° C.) relative to the actual temperature of the coolant. With this output deviation from sensor to sensor the output can be used along with other types sensor outputs to develop a “finger print” for the vehicle.

Engine air temperature is typically measured in a range of −40° F. to 419° F. (−40° C. to 215° C.). This sensor typically has a accuracy of +/−5% which equates to can result in a deviation from one sensor to another of +22.95° F. (+5° C.) to −22.95° F. (−5° C.) relative to the actual temperature of the engine intake air. With this output deviation from sensor to sensor the output can be used along with other types sensor outputs to develop a “finger print” for the vehicle.

Fuel Rail Pressure will vary greatly from one make and model vehicle to another. For same make and model vehicles there will be a deviation from one vehicle to another that is a function of the accuracy of the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel pressure sensor. Even if these two devices are 1% accurate the total accuracy will be +/−2%. This is a measurable sensor output that is unique to a specific vehicle.

Engine oil temperature will vary greatly from one make and model vehicle to another. For same make and model vehicles there will be a deviation from one vehicle to another that is a function oil viscosity, engine block mass and thermal dissipation, and oil temperature accuracy which typically is +/−5%. This is a measurable sensor output that is unique to a specific vehicle.

Absolute throttle position is measured in 0 to 100% maximum throttle opening. From same vehicle make and model or for different vehicle make and model the minimum value could be unique. This is due to the mechanical closed throttle limit which is often governed by an air idle set screw or throttle casting closed position stop.

Engine RPM: This value is usually within 1% of the actual the engine RPM, however the engine RPM is a factor of many vehicle specific variables which affect the engine RPM at any steady state condition. These vehicle specific variables include the temperature of the engine and air at steady state condition, upstream of the throttle air pressure drop due to air filter cleanliness. How well each engine cylinder is generating cylinder pressure during the fuel and air combustion process, and the closed loop engine idle RPM where a desired measured air fuel ratio has been obtained by the engine management system that is relative to stoichiometric air fuel ratio at the desired engine RPM for the fuel typed used. This desired engine RPM can be the product of the engine management system learned output that results in the best emission output of the engine at that steady state condition and it will vary from one vehicle to another.

Lambda sensor. For the specific fuel used in the vehicle the Lambda sensor voltage output range can vary from one sensor to another due to age of the sensor, sensor accuracy, sensor manufacturing techniques for oxygen reference cell. The number of active lambda sensors that can be measured can be used to determine difference for vehicle make and models that have engines with different number of cylinders or difference sophistication of the engine management system which is responsible for controlling engine output relative to engine emissions. In an embodiment, several of the foregoing metrics are used in combination to determine a unique identification or profile of a vehicle.

In another aspect, we characterize the vehicle's dynamic state change to determine a rate of change profile for sensor output values. For example:

-   -   1. Engine idle RPM as the vehicle changes temp from cold start         to a predefined hot operating temperature.     -   2. Engine oil temperature change relative to engine coolant         temperature change from a cold start engine temperature to a         predefined hot engine temperature.

Some embodiments thus may be summarized as follows: A computer-implemented method of identifying a motor vehicle comprising: acquiring first sensor data from the vehicle during a first steady state operating condition of the vehicle; acquiring second sensor data from the vehicle during a second steady state operating condition of the same vehicle; wherein the first and second sensor data each include data acquired from no less than three sensors installed on board the vehicle, the first and second data being acquired from the same sensors at different times; and storing the acquired first and second sensor data so as to form baseline sensor data for use in subsequent identification of the vehicle.

A method consistent with the present disclosure may further include comparing the first and second sensor data to stored baseline sensor data; and forming an identifier of the vehicle based on the said comparing step.

FIG. 2 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a server-based process 200 to collect electronic sensor data from a remote vehicle. In the figure, a wireless communication link 202 is formed between a central server, for example, a fleet management system, and a remote vehicle. The link may be over the wireless telecom network. The link may utilize in-band signaling to transmit data over a voice channel. The link may utilize a data service.

If sensor data is buffered at the vehicle and is ready, decision 204, it is uploaded, block 206. If it is not ready, the process may loop at 208. Uploaded data may undergo error correction in the process, and optionally it may be scrubbed to help ensure valid data, block 210.

After data is ready, a database coupled to the server, for example, a baseline database, may be queried to look for matching data, block 220. Matching baseline sensor data may be used to identify the vehicle. If a unique match is found, decision 222, the data may be added to a database, block 230. The process may loop via 240 in some cases to acquire additional data. If a unique match was not found initially at 222, an effort may be undertaken to disambiguate among plural vehicles reporting similar sensor values, for example, based on acquiring corresponding location data of each of the vehicles. Location data may be acquired from GPS receiver in the vehicle. A GPS receive may be coupled to an on-board network so that the location data is accessible. In the case of using a mobile device such as a smart phone for communication with the server, the smart phone embedded GPS receiver may be used to acquire location of a vehicle. If disambiguation does not succeed, decision block 232, additional sensor data may be requested, block 250, and the matching process repeated via loop 252.

Driver Behavior

Another feature of the present disclosure involves acquiring sensor data, which may be buffered, stored, or transmitted in near-real time, and analyzing that sensor data to infer characteristics of driver behavior. Data may be accumulated over time for a given driver to form a profile. Deviation from the profile may indicate driver impairment, due to medical or other factors. Profiles based on sensor data also may be used to infer the identity of a current driver of a vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency

Another feature of the present disclosure involves acquiring sensor data, and based on the stored data, calculating a mileage rate or fuel efficiency of the motor vehicle. The mileage rate refers to miles traveled per gallon of liquid fuel, or per kilowatt-hour of electrical energy for an electric vehicle. Using the techniques above, fuel efficiency may be determined for each vehicle, under various conditions. Deviation from the normal fuel efficiencies may indicate a maintenance issue that requires attention. If no maintenance issue exists then the difference in calculated average fuel efficiency can also be used to uniquely identify the vehicle if driver behavior can be ruled out as a reason for fuel efficiency variability.

In some cases, changes in vehicle performance as reflected in sensor data may be due to driver behavior rather than maintenance issues. Distinguishing between these two causes may be achieved by analysis of data acquired over time. Other case—very different vehicle causes very different readings, not the driver.

It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: at a central server, acquiring electronic sensor data from a motor vehicle located remote from the central server; identifying a driver of the motor vehicle; storing the acquired sensor data in association with the identified driver in a database coupled to the central server; repeating the acquiring, identifying and storing steps so as to accumulate the electronic sensor data in the database over a selected period of time; at the central server, analyzing the accumulated electronic sensor data for the identified vehicle driver so as to form a driver profile associated with the identified vehicle driver; storing the driver profile in a central server database of plural driver profiles; acquiring new electronic sensor data from the motor vehicle during operation by the identified vehicle driver; at the central server, comparing the new electronic sensor data to the stored driver profile to detect a deviation from the profile that may indicate driver impairment; and generating a message at the central server about the driver impairment based on the comparison.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the electronic sensor data is transmitted wirelessly from the motor vehicle to the central server.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the electronic sensor data is acquired over an on-board network of the motor vehicle for transmission to the central server.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the electronic sensor data is acquired through a connection to an OBD port of the motor vehicle for transmission over a wireless telecommunication link to the central server.
 5. The method of claim 4 including acquiring the data in a mobile device coupled to the OBD port of the motor vehicle and substantially immediately transmitting the acquired data from the mobile device to a central server in the wireless telecommunication link.
 6. The method of claim 1 including transmitting the electronic sensor data to a central server in substantially real time.
 7. The method of claim 1 and further comprising: comparing the new electronic sensor data to the central server database of plural driver profiles to identify a current driver of a vehicle.
 8. The method of claim 1 and further wherein the driver profile includes, for a selected vehicle, data acquired from at least three sensors selected from the group consisting of the following sensors— engine coolant temperature engine air temperature fuel rail pressure engine oil temperature absolute throttle position limit engine RPM at idle Lambda exhaust oxygen sensor voltage.
 9. The method of claim 1 and further comprising comparing the new electronic sensor data to previously stored sensor data in the database to detect a maintenance issue of the corresponding vehicle. 